U.S. patent application number 10/983394 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-12 for pipe clamp with integral latch.
This patent application is currently assigned to Breeze-Torca Products, LLC. Invention is credited to Amedure, Michael E., Cassel, Scott T., Ignaczak, Brian T..
Application Number | 20050099001 10/983394 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34590223 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050099001 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cassel, Scott T. ; et
al. |
May 12, 2005 |
Pipe clamp with integral latch
Abstract
A pipe clamp that enables two pipes to be loosely connected
together in a desired axially-aligned and rotationally-aligned
configuration prior to tightening of the clamp. The pipe clamp
includes a band having a first end and a second end, and a
tightening mechanism connected to the band for drawing the ends of
the band together. The pipe clamp further includes a latch having a
base portion attached to the band and a clip portion that snaps
over a button welded to the pipe to temporarily hold the clamp in
place on the pipe. In some embodiments the pipe clamp is connected
to both pipes via an attached clip and buttons at each axial end of
the clamp, and in other embodiments the clamp is welded to one pipe
and the clip and button then being used to loosely connect the
welded assembly to the other pipe.
Inventors: |
Cassel, Scott T.;
(Bloomfield Hills, MI) ; Amedure, Michael E.;
(Lake Orion, MI) ; Ignaczak, Brian T.; (Rochester,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES D. STEVENS
REISING, ETHINGTON, BARNES, KISSELLE, P.C.
P.O. BOX 4390
TROY
MI
48099
US
|
Assignee: |
Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
Auburn Hills
MI
|
Family ID: |
34590223 |
Appl. No.: |
10/983394 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60518133 |
Nov 7, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
285/23 ;
285/253 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/1441 20150115;
F01N 2450/18 20130101; F01N 13/1805 20130101; Y10T 24/1451
20150115; F16L 21/065 20130101; F16L 21/005 20130101; F01N 2450/24
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/023 ;
285/253 |
International
Class: |
F16L 055/00 |
Claims
1. A pipe clamp for securing two pipes together, comprising: a band
of metal having first and second ends; a tightening mechanism
connected to the ends of said band, said tightening mechanism
including a fastener for drawing the ends of said band together
such that said band can be tightened about a first pipe; and a
latch attached to said band and having a base portion at least
partially overlapping said band, said latch further including a
clip adapted to engage a button located at an outer surface of a
second pipe when the first and second pipes are brought together in
axial alignment.
2. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 1, wherein said clip is offset
from said base portion by a step that extends generally
perpendicular to said base portion and said clip.
3. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 1, wherein said latch is
rotatably mounted to said band such that said latch can rotate at
least between a first position, in which the length of said latch
is not aligned with the axis of said band, and a second position,
in which the length of said latch is aligned with the axis of said
band.
4. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 1, wherein said clip includes
at least one slanted edge defining a bearing surface that enables
said clip to ride up on and snap over the button.
5. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 4, wherein said clip includes
an apertured central portion at least partially surrounded by said
slanted edge(s) so that said clip can be snapped over said button
from different directions.
6. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 1, wherein said clip comprises
a first clip and wherein said latch further comprises a second clip
extending from said base portion in a direction opposite said first
clip, said second clip adapted to engage a second button located at
an outer surface of the first pipe.
7. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 6, wherein said second clip has
substantially the same conformation as said first clip.
8. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 1, wherein said latch is
attached to said band at a location that is offset from said
tightening mechanism.
9. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 1, wherein said band comprises
at least one notch and wherein said clip at least partially
overlies said notch such that, when the pipes are brought together
into axial alignment with said clip engaging the button, the second
pipe is inhibited from axial movement away from said band by said
latch and is inhibited from rotational movement relative to said
band by said notch.
10. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 9, further comprising a sleeve
located radially within said band and having a notch that is
coextensive with the notch in said band.
11. A pipe clamp and pipe assembly, comprising: a pipe clamp that
comprises: a band of metal having first and second ends; a
tightening mechanism connected to the ends of said band, said
tightening mechanism including a fastener for drawing the ends of
said band together; and a latch attached to said band and having a
base portion at least partially overlapping said band, said latch
further including a clip; and a pipe having at least one free end,
said pipe clamp being secured to said pipe at said free end.
12. A pipe clamp and pipe assembly as defined in claim 11, wherein
said pipe clamp is welded to said pipe at said free end such that
said clip extends past said free end.
13. A pipe clamp and pipe assembly as defined in claim 11, wherein
said pipe includes a button located at an exterior surface of said
pipe spaced axially from said free end; wherein said clip comprises
a first clip and wherein said latch further comprises a second clip
extending from said base portion in a direction opposite said first
clip; said pipe clamp being secured to said pipe by engagement of
said second clip with said button.
14. A pipe clamp and pipe assembly as defined in claim 11, wherein
said pipe includes a radially expanded section at said free end
with said pipe clamp attached to said pipe about said radially
expanded section.
15. A pipe clamp and pipe assembly as defined in claim 14, wherein
said pipe clamp is flush with said free end of said pipe.
16. A pipe clamp and pipe assembly as defined in claim 15, wherein
said clip includes at least one slanted edge defining a bearing
surface.
17. A pipe clamp and pipe assembly as defined in claim 16, wherein
said clip includes an apertured central portion at least partially
surrounded by said slanted edge(s).
18. A pipe clamp and pipe assembly as defined in claim 14, wherein
said pipe clamp is inset axially from said free end of said pipe,
said pipe has a notch formed in said free end, and said clip at
least partially overlies said notch.
19. A pipe clamp and pipe assembly as defined in claim 14, wherein
said pipe comprises a first pipe and wherein said assembly further
comprises a second pipe having a button located at an exterior
surface of said second pipe spaced axially from a free end of said
second pipe; wherein said second pipe is telescopically fitted
within said expanded section of said first pipe and wherein said
clip of said pipe clamp is engaged with said button to retain said
pipe clamp and said first and second pipes together prior to
tightening of said pipe clamp.
20. A pipe clamp for securing two pipes together using a button
located at an outer surface of at least one of the pipes,
comprising: a band of metal having first and second ends and
extending axially from a first lateral edge to a second lateral
edge, said band having a notch in at least one of said lateral
edges; a tightening mechanism connected to the ends of said band,
said tightening mechanism including a fastener for drawing the ends
of said band together such that said band can be tightened about a
first pipe; a latch attached to said band and having a finger
extending over said notch, said finger having an end portion that,
together with said notch, defines a space sized to receive the
button.
21. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 20, wherein said pipe clamp
comprises a pipe coupler.
22. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 20, further comprising a
sleeve, wherein said band overlies said sleeve.
23. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 22, wherein said sleeve
includes a notch that is coextensive with the notch in said
band.
24. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 20, wherein said latch extends
axially along said band between said lateral edges of said
band.
25. A pipe clamp for securing a first pipe to a second pipe wherein
at least one of said pipes includes an interlocking feature, said
pipe clamp comprising: a band having a first end and a second end;
a tightening mechanism connected to said band for drawing the ends
of said band together; and a latch having a base portion attached
to said band, said latch including at least one clip portion with
an interlocking feature adapted to engage the interlocking feature
of the pipe(s).
26. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 25, wherein said clip portion
includes one or more up-turned edges to facilitate engagement of
said latch with the interlocking feature of the pipe(s).
27. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 26, wherein said interlocking
feature of said clip portion comprises a central aperture sized to
receive the interlocking feature of the pipe(s), and wherein said
one or more up-turned edges at least partially surround said
central aperture to facilitate multi-directional engagement of said
clip portion with the interlocking feature of the pipe(s).
28. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 26, wherein said one or more
up-turned edges comprises a single, axially-disposed up-turned edge
that facilitates axial engagement of said clip portion with the
interlocking feature of the pipe(s).
29. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 25, wherein said pipe clamp is
a band clamp welded to said first pipe and said base portion of
said latch is welded to said band.
30. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 29, wherein said base portion
of said latch includes an aperture therethrough, and wherein said
band is welded to said first pipe at said aperture in said base
portion of said latch.
31. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 25, wherein said interlocking
feature of said clip portion comprises an aperture.
32. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 25, wherein said interlocking
feature of said clip portion of said latch is a U-shaped recess
formed in an end edge of said clip portion.
33. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 25, wherein said latch
includes a vertical step located between said base portion and said
clip portion.
34. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 25, wherein the interlocking
feature of the pipe(s) comprises a first interlocking feature on
the first pipe and a second interlocking feature on the second
pipe, further wherein said clip portion of said latch is a first
clip portion that engages the first interlocking feature on the
first pipe and said latch further includes a second clip portion
that engages the second interlocking feature on the second
pipe.
35. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 34, wherein said clip portions
each include at least one up-turned edge to facilitate engagement
of said clip portions with the first and second interlocking
features of the pipes.
36. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 25, wherein the interlocking
feature of the pipe(s) comprises a button projecting from the outer
surface of said second pipe and a notch in an end of the first pipe
that is sized to receive the button, and wherein said band is
attached to the first pipe such that said clip portion of said
latch extends over the notch in the first pipe and terminates in a
retention finger that defines said interlocking feature of said
clip portion, also wherein the second pipe is inserted into the
first pipe such that said retention finger snaps over the button as
it is received in the notch, whereby said first and second pipes
are axially and rotationally aligned.
37. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 25, wherein the interlocking
feature of the pipe(s) comprises buttons projecting from the outer
surfaces of the first and second pipes, and said band includes
opposite lateral edges which include notches formed therein,
further wherein said latch includes opposed clip portions extending
over said notches in said band and each terminating in a retention
finger that defines said interlocking feature of said clip portion,
the pipes being assembled together such that said retention fingers
snap over the buttons to axially retain the first and second pipes
and such that the buttons are received in said notches to
rotationally and axially retain the first and second pipes.
38. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 37, further comprising a
sleeve having opposite lateral edges aligned with said lateral
edges of said band, and each of said lateral edges of said sleeve
having a notch formed therein and aligned with said notches of said
band to receive the first and second buttons therein.
39. A pipe clamp as defined in claim 25, wherein said base portion
of said latch is rotatably mounted to said band.
40. A pipe clamp and pipe assembly that is connectable to a second
pipe having an interlocking feature at a free end of the second
pipe, said assembly comprising: a pipe clamp that comprises: a band
of metal having first and second ends and extending axially from a
first lateral edge to a second lateral edge; a tightening mechanism
connected to the ends of said band, said tightening mechanism
including a fastener for drawing the ends of said band together;
and a latch attached to said band; and a first pipe having at least
one free end, said pipe clamp being secured to said first pipe at
said free end; wherein at least one of said pipe clamp and said
first pipe includes a notch sized to receive the interlocking
feature of the second pipe, said latch being located at said notch
such that, when the free end of the second pipe is axially aligned
with said first pipe and then brought into engagement with said
assembly so that the interlocking feature is received in said
notch, said notch limits the relative rotational movement between
said pipe clamp and the second pipe and said latch engages the
interlocking feature to inhibit separation of the interlocking
feature from said notch.
41. A pipe clamp and pipe assembly as defined in claim 40, wherein
said notch is formed in said first lateral edge of said band and
wherein said latch includes a clip that is substantially flush with
said first lateral edge.
42. A pipe clamp and pipe assembly as defined in claim 41, wherein
said first pipe includes an interlocking feature and said assembly
further comprises a second clip located at said second lateral edge
of said band, and wherein said pipe clamp is secured to said first
pipe by engagement of said second clip with said interlocking
feature of said first pipe.
43. A pipe clamp and pipe assembly as defined in claim 40, wherein
said notch is formed in said free end of said first pipe and
wherein said latch includes a clip that extends beyond said first
lateral edge of said band and that at least partially overlies said
notch.
44. A pipe clamp and pipe assembly as defined in claim 43, wherein
said clip comprises a flexible finger having a slanted bearing
surface positioned to ride up and over the interlocking feature of
the second pipe.
45. A pipe clamp and pipe assembly as defined in claim 40, wherein
said pipe clamp is welded to said first pipe.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Application No.
60/518,133, filed Nov. 7, 2003, the complete disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to pipe clamps for securing pipes
together and to techniques for loosely securing a pipe clamp to
pipe ends in a desired configuration prior to tightening of the
clamp.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Automotive exhaust pipes are typically routed along the
underbody of a vehicle and may take winding paths between the
exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, and muffler depending upon
the design and location of other components of the vehicle. In
order to avoid obstructions and for underbody packaging purposes,
it is often necessary for the exhaust pipe to include one or more
bends along its length. Such exhaust pipes can be manufactured in
separate sections between at least some of the bends, positioned in
an end-to-end axial configuration, and then connected together by a
pipe clamp to form an assembled exhaust pipe. In an automotive
assembly plant, the first step of this process may be performed
while a vehicle is actually flipped upside down, giving an operator
access to the underbody. The pipe clamps are typically not
tightened until the vehicle is again flipped right side up. As a
result, it is not unusual for the loosely-connected exhaust pipe
ends and pipe clamps to dislodge when the vehicle is flipped back
to its normal orientation. When this happens, the assembly process
is disrupted and consequently becomes less efficient.
[0004] In such applications, the pipes are usually positioned and
connected together either as a lap joint, with the pipe ends
telescopically overlapping each other, or as a butt joint, with the
pipe end edges abutting each other. For lap joints, a band clamp is
commonly used to clamp the two pipe ends together and is attached
over the outer pipe at a location where the two pipes overlap. For
butt joints, a pipe coupler is normally used which spans the
juncture of the two abutting pipe ends and includes a clamping
mechanism that permits it to be securely clamped over both of the
two ends. As used throughout this patent, the term "pipe clamp"
includes band clamps, pipe couplers, and the like.
[0005] In both lap joints and butt joints a tight seal is important
and partly dependent upon pipe end positioning. In lap joints, if
the pipe ends are overlapped too far, the excess pipe material
becomes waste. Conversely, if the pipe ends are not overlapped far
enough, an adequate seal may not be provided. For butt joints, an
inadequate seal will result if the pipe end edges are not
positioned to properly abut each other.
[0006] Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
pipe clamp that can be used to provide an initial interconnection
of two pipe ends together in a desired configuration prior to
tightening of the clamp.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
pipe clamp is provided for securing a first pipe to a second pipe
wherein one or both of the pipes include an interlocking feature.
The pipe clamp includes a band having a first end and a second end,
and a tightening mechanism connected to the band for drawing the
ends of the band together. The pipe clamp further includes a latch
having a base portion attached to the band, and having a clip
portion with an interlocking feature adapted to engage the
interlocking feature of the pipe(s) as the pipes are assembled
together.
[0008] According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the present
invention may be utilized in the form of a band clamp attached to a
first pipe that telescopically fits over a second pipe having a
button or other interlocking feature that connects to the clip
portion of the latch as the two pipes are assembled together. The
clip can connect to and retain the interlocking feature of the
second pipe either itself or in conjunction with a notch formed in
the end of either the first pipe or the band clamp. The band clamp
can be secured to the first pipe by a weld or by another
clip/button connection. The latch may also be rotatably mounted to
the band.
[0009] According to another preferred exemplary embodiment, the
present invention may be utilized in the form of a pipe coupler
wherein the pipes are connected together by the clamp with their
ends abutted together. The interlocking feature can be provided on
one or both pipes and one or both axial ends of the pipe coupler.
Where the pipe coupler is configured to be loosely attached to both
pipe ends via interlocking features, a single latch having a clip
at each opposite end can be used. The clips can extend past the end
of the pipe coupler to engage the buttons or other interlocking
features on the pipes. Alternatively, the pipe coupler can have a
notch at one or both axial ends to receive the buttons, with the
clips being substantially flush with the axial ends to minimize the
possibility of damage to the clips during shipping and handling.
Where the pipe coupler includes a split sealing sleeve, the sleeve
can also be notched at the same location(s) as the outer band of
the coupler.
[0010] In any of the embodiments, the interlocking feature of each
clip preferably, but need not, includes at least one slanted or
up-turned edge forming a bearing surface that allows the clip to
ride up over the button or other interlocking feature of the pipe
as they are assembled. Where a notch in the clamp or pipe is used,
the clip can include a single up-turned edge to enable axial
assembly of the button under the clip and into the notch. Where the
button can potentially be inserted into the clip from both an axial
direction and from an angular direction by relative rotation of the
two components, the up-turned edges of the clip can extend at least
partially around the clip to facilitate this multi-directional
assembly of the two components.
[0011] In use, the pipes are assembled together within the pipe
clamp such that its clip snaps over the button or other
interlocking feature of the pipe to loosely connect the two pipes
together. The allows the manufacturer to preset the correct axial
and angular alignment of the two pipes which then helps minimize
the errors that occur during assembly. This also facilitates
assembly for the installer doing the work since the two pipes are
loosely connected together via the clamp and the installer is
therefore free to tighten the clamp without having to
simultaneously hold the pipes together to prevent undesired
relative axial or angular movement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention will
hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings,
wherein like designations denote like elements, and wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a pipe
clamp of the present invention prior to coupling of two exhaust
pipe ends via the pipe clamp;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the pipe clamp of FIG.
1 after the two exhaust pipe ends are positioned and initially
interconnected via a button on the one pipe and a latch on the pipe
clamp;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing how the latch on the
pipe clamp of FIG. 1 can snap over the button from a side
direction;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top view of the latch of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of the latch of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the latch for the pipe clamp of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
pipe clamp of the present invention that uses a two ended latch
which engages a button on each of the two exhaust pipe ends;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the pipe clamp of FIG.
7 after the two exhaust pipe ends are telescoped together and the
latch fully engaged with the two buttons;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
pipe clamp of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a side view of the pipe clamp shown in FIG.
9;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the
pipe clamp of the present invention showing notches formed in the
edges of the clamp;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the pipe clamp of FIG.
11 aligned to engage the exhaust pipes; and
[0025] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a fifth embodiment
of the pipe clamp of the present invention showing a swivel
latch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Referring now to the drawings, the invention will be
described in five illustrative embodiments of a pipe clamp that
utilizes an integral latch along with a button on one or both of a
pair of pipe ends to temporarily secure the pipe ends together
prior to tightening of the pipe clamp. The invention will be
described with reference to its use in an automotive exhaust
system. However, it will be appreciated as the description proceeds
that the invention is useful in many different applications and may
be implemented in many other embodiments. In this regard, and as
used herein and in the claims, it will be understood that the term
"pipe" refers not only to automotive exhaust pipes and connecting
stubs on exhaust system components, but also to other tubular
members of circular or other cross-sectional shape, regardless of
whether they are used to carry fluid, and regardless of whether
they are made of metal, plastic, or some composite or other
material.
[0027] FIG. 1 shows a band clamp 12 and its integral latch 10 in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Latch
10 is shown secured to band clamp 12 which can be done as a part of
original manufacturing of the band clamp 12 prior to its use. Clamp
12 with its latch 10 is securely attached by, for example, a spot
weld, to an end of a first exhaust pipe 14, and the latch 10 is
used to temporarily secure the band clamp 12 and attach first pipe
14 to a second exhaust pipe 16 in a desired configuration by
snapping over a button 18 that is pre-formed or pre-attached to the
second pipe 16, as shown in FIG. 2. This temporary connection
properly locates the two pipe ends together and allows clamp 12 to
be subsequently tightened without the installer or a second person
having to separately hold the pipe ends together during tightening.
As shown in FIGS. 1-3, button 18 is a cylindrical protrusion
located on the outer surface of pipe 16; however, as used herein
and in the claims, "button" refers broadly to any engageable
protrusion of any shape extending upwardly from the surface of the
pipe. The button 18 comprises an interlocking feature of the pipe
used to connect it to the clamp, and it will be understood that
other types of interlocking features can be used in lieu of or in
addition to a button to connect the pipe clamp 12 to one or more of
the pipes 14, 16.
[0028] Again referring to FIG. 1, latch 10 secures ends 15 and 17
of first exhaust pipe 14 and second exhaust pipe 16, respectively,
together. First exhaust pipe 14 and second exhaust pipe 16 have the
same diameter, except that pipe 14 has a radially expanded section
at its end 15 to allow pipe 16 to telescopically overlap pipe end
15. This lap joint is shown in FIG. 2. Both pipes are primarily
made of iron, but can be made of any suitable material for the
particular application involved. Exhaust pipes generally have a
circular cross-section but, as noted above, clamp 12 can be used
with clamps and pipes of various cross-sections and sizes.
[0029] With the exception of latch 10, clamp 12 can be made as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,312,526, U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,524, or
U.S. Pat. No. 6,519,815. The entire disclosures of these patents
are hereby incorporated by reference. As discussed in these
patents, a pipe clamp in general includes a band or sleeve with
confronting circumferential ends or end portions that can be drawn
together by a tightening mechanism to tighten the band around pipe
ends. The tightening mechanism includes a fastener such as a bolt
and nut to effect the tightening, and can, but need not, include a
spline between the confronting circumferential ends, as shown in
these patents. A SealSlot.TM. sealing end configuration can be used
as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,629,226, 5,588,680, and 6,089,624,
and the entire disclosures of these patents are hereby incorporated
by reference.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 4, latch 10 is stamped from a unitary
piece of stainless steel or other suitable sheet metal and formed
to include a base portion 20 and a clip 22 that are offset from
each other by a step 28. Also referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, base 20
overlaps the outer surface of clamp 12 and is generally rectangular
in shape. Base 20 includes a flange 24 and an aperture 26. Flange
24 is located at an opposite end from step 28 and rests against a
side edge of clamp 12 during use. The distance between flange 24
and step 28 is approximately equal to the axial width of clamp 12.
Aperture 26 is circular and centrally located in base 20. Its
function will be described later with FIGS. 1-3 but it should be
noted here that aperture 26, if used at all, can be of various
shapes, sizes, and locations on base 20. Clip 22 is adapted to
catch button 18 in a snap-fit orientation and is rectangular in
shape. Clip 22 includes an interlocking feature in the form of a
central aperture or opening 30, and clip 22 further includes three
slanted or up-turned edges 32, 34, and 36. Opening 30 is an
aperture in clip 22 that extends through the stepped portion 28.
Opening 30 is shaped to snap over and accommodate button 18 which
is securely affixed to second exhaust pipe 16 to act as an anchor
for latch 10 once engaged. This is shown in FIG. 2. Button 18 has a
short, solid cylindrical shape. It should also be noted that
opening 30 could be of various shapes and sizes, and likewise that
button 18 could be of various shapes and sizes to fit within
opening 30. The first and third up-turned edges 32 and 36 are
congruent, being rectangular in shape with rounded outer corners.
Second edge 34 is similar but with a greater length. First and
third edges 32, 36 are located on opposite sides of opening 30 and
second edge 34 is located opposite the step 28.
[0031] The three up-turned edges 32, 34, 36 of clip 22 permits
multi-directional engagement of button 18. More specifically, the
up-turned edges each define a bearing surface on the bottom side of
the inclined edge portion, and it is this bearing surface that
enables the clip 22 to flex upwardly when the bearing surface
engages the button 18 so that the clip 22 can be snapped over the
button 18. By providing the up-turned edges 32, 34, 36 all of the
way around the central portion (except at the step 28), the latch
10 can be snapped over the button 18 by either relative axial
movement of the two pipe ends or by relative rotational movement
about their common axis, or by some combination of both.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 5, flange 24 is perpendicular to base 20
and extends to a distance approximately equal to the thickness of
clamp 12. Opposite flange 24 is the step 28 which provides a
vertical distance between base 20 and clip 22 so that clip 22 can
rest on the outer surface of the second pipe 16. This vertical
distance is equal to the thickness of a band 12a of the clamp 12
plus the thickness of the pipe wall; however, it will be
appreciated that this vertical offset can be more or less and, for
some applications, step 28 need not be used at all. As described
earlier, the distance between flange 24 and step 28 is
approximately equal to the axial width of clamp 12 so that, in use,
step 28 will also rest on an opposite longitudinal edge of clamp
12. In this view, the up-turned edge 34 forms an internal acute
angle of roughly 45.degree. with horizontal clip 22. Although not
shown here, a similar side view of first and third up-turned edges
32, 36 would reveal the same angle.
[0033] Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, during manufacturing of clamp
12, latch 10 is positioned on the band 12a with the flange 24 and
step 28 engaging opposite longitudinal edges of the band 12a. At
the same time, it is located circumferentially on the band 12a in a
position that is offset from a tightening mechanism 12b. This
offset, if used, need not be at the location shown, but can be at
other locations on the band 12a. Latch 10 is spot-welded onto the
band 12a in a welding area 11. Welding area 11 is located opposite
clip 22 on base 20 to facilitate vertical flexibility of clip 22.
Once the clamp 12 and latch 10 are manufactured and secured
together, clamp 12 is slid over pipe 14 so step 28 is flush with
the end 15. In this position, clamp 12 is spot-welded onto pipe 14.
Aperture 26 provides a welding area without welding latch 10 to
clamp 12 again. Clamp 12 can be welded at locations other than the
spot at which the latch 10 is attached to the band 12a. For pipe
16, button 18 is spot-welded at an optimal distance from end 17 so
that the two pipes will be positioned appropriately for the
particular application. In this case lap joints are being formed so
button 18 is spot-welded at a distance on pipe 16 to provide a pipe
overlap. For a butt joint, button 18 would be spot-welded at a
distance so ends 15 and 17 are abutted. Also, the button 18 can be
positioned at a proper circumferential position on the pipe 16 so
that the two pipes 14, 16 will be properly aligned rotationally,
which can be important where the pipes 14, 16 include bends or
otherwise need to be placed in a particular rotational
orientation.
[0034] During assembly of the two pipes 14, 16, they are first
aligned axially. As shown in FIG. 2, first exhaust pipe 14 overlaps
second exhaust pipe 16. Clip 22 slides over and onto the outer
surface of second exhaust pipe 16 until it engages button 18. As
clip 22 and button 18 meet from a generally straight-on or axial
direction, the up-turned edge 34 and the vertical flexibility of
the latch 10 allow clip 22 to slide over button 18 until button 18
catches on the arcuate edge defining opening 30. This will also
occur if clip 22 and button 18 meet from a generally side or
circumferential direction, as shown in FIG. 3, either by the first
inclined edge 32 or the third inclined edge 36. Once button 18 is
fully snapped into opening 30, the bottom surface of clip 22 is
generally flush with the outer surface of second exhaust pipe 16
and held taut by the intrinsic resiliency of the latch material,
thereby preventing disengagement. The two pipes 14, 16 are now
secured and properly positioned so that clamp 12 can be tightened
to seal the two pipe ends (not shown) together, and this can be
done without having to manually hold the two pipe ends together in
the proper position during tightening. To separate the two pipes
14, 16, the band clamp 12 can be loosened, and the latch 10 can be
manually disengaged by simply flexing the clip 22 back upwards and
off the button 18.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment 110 of the latch.
With additional reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, this embodiment is
similar to the latch 10 of the first embodiment and performs a
similar function with a few modifications. As can be seen, a base
120 is longer in this embodiment though the width remains the same.
A clip 122 is also modified. An interlocking or retention feature
130 is shaped similarly to opening 30 of the first embodiment latch
10 for the purpose of engaging button 18, but is open on one side
to form a U-shaped recess in the clip 122. A pair of opposing
slanted or up-turned edges (only one up-turned edge 132 is shown)
are located at the opposite sides of clip 122 to engage button 18
from a side or circumferential direction. Instead of vertical step
28, latch 110 has base 120 and clip 122 set apart by a bend 129
wherein the steel material of the latch 110 is turned back on
itself. Bend 129 is located at an end of base 120 and inverts clip
122 underneath base 120. This bend 129 can have an angled bearing
surface, similar to that formed by the up-turned edge 132, to
permit the latch 110 to slide up on and over the button 18 during
straight-on or axial assembly of the two pipes 14, 16. In this
embodiment, the distance between an end edge 133 on clip 122 and a
flange 124 is set to be slightly greater than the width of clamp 12
with which it is used. In this way, the button 18 will be captured
between the interlocking feature 130 and the longitudinal edge of
the band clamp 112. To reduce stress and ease bending during
manufacturing, apertures 125 are located where the bend 129
begins.
[0036] Similar to the first embodiment, latch 110 is stamped from a
unitary piece of sheet metal and is generally rectangular in shape.
Base 120 includes flange 124 and an aperture 126 that are similarly
configured and function as described in the first embodiment. Bend
129 provides a vertical distance between base 120 and clip 122 that
is similar to the offset of the step 28 of the first
embodiment.
[0037] During manufacturing, the base 120 of the clip 110 is first
spot-welded onto clamp 12 in a welding area 111. Clamp 12 is then
slid over the end 15 of the pipe 14 so edge 133 contacts this end
15. Clamp 12 is again spot-welded onto pipe 14 through aperture
126. Button 18 is spot-welded at the same distance as before. These
steps can be carried as a part of forming the band clamp 112 and
pipes 14, 16. Then, during assembly by an installer, the exhaust
pipe sections are positioned and rotated as necessary so that
retainer 130 catches button 18 from either a straight-on (axial) or
side (circumferential) direction.
[0038] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the present
invention in the form of a band clamp 212 that is similar to that
of FIGS. 1-5 in that it includes a base 220 and clip 222. However,
instead of flange 24, the latch 210 includes a second clip 223
attached to the base 220 opposite the first clip 222. The first
clip is attached to base 220 at a first step 228 as in the first
embodiment, and the second clip 223 is attached to the base by a
second step 229. Second step 229 is shorter than first step 228 so
that the second clip 223 can rest on the outer surface of pipe 14.
In this embodiment, the distance between the first and second steps
228, 229 is slightly greater than the width of the band. Also, a
second button 219 is spot-welded or otherwise formed onto pipe 14
at a location spaced axially from the end 15 for engagement with
second clip 223. This sets the proper positioning of clamp 212 over
the two pipes 14, 16, as well as the proper axial and rotational
alignment of the pipes relative to each other. If desired, clamp
212 can be welded to pipe 14, although it will be appreciated that
this second clip 223 and button 219 eliminates the need for welding
or otherwise separately attaching clamp 212 to the pipe.
[0039] Similar to the first embodiment, latch 210 is stamped from a
unitary piece of sheet metal and is generally rectangular in shape.
Also, base 220 includes an aperture 226. Clip 222 can be identical
to clip 22, as described in the first embodiment, and second clip
223 can simply be a mirror image of clip 222.
[0040] During use, latch 210 performs a similar function as
described in the first embodiment. Here, a welding area, if used at
all, could be located on either or both sides of aperture 226,
possibly making one clip 222 or 223 more vertically flexible than
the other, but still allowing the other clip enough flexibility to
slide over and catch its respective button.
[0041] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a third embodiment of the present
invention in the form of a band clamp 312 having a latch 310 that
includes a base 320 and a clip 322 set apart vertically by a step
331. Clip 322 includes an interlocking feature or retention finger
338. Finger 338 snaps over and catches on button 18. Finger 338 is
located at an opposite end of the latch 310 from base 320 and is
inverted underneath the remainder of clip 322 and slanted at an
approximate 45.degree. angle with horizontal clip 322. Step 331
simply facilitates vertical flexibility of clip 322, and need not
be necessary. Similar to the first embodiment, latch 310 is stamped
from a unitary piece of sheet metal and is generally rectangular in
shape. The latch 310 can be welded to the band of the clamp 312 at
a welding area 311, and the band clamp 312 can then be itself
welded to the pipe 14.
[0042] Apart from the use of finger 338, clamp 312 differs from the
first embodiment in that it is not attached to the pipe 14 flush
with the end 15 of the pipe 14, but is inset axially by a short
distance to accommodate a U-shaped recess or notch 317 in the end
15 of pipe 14. This notch 317 is sized to receive the button 18 of
the second pipe 16 to axially and rotationally align and retain the
two pipes 14, 16. The finger 338 then is used to hold the button 18
in the notch 317 during tightening of clamp 312. Thus, the pipe
notch 317 fixes the relative rotational position of the two pipes
14, 16, while the finger 338 fixes and holds the two pipes 14, 16
together axially. For this embodiment, when welding clamp 312 to
the pipe 14, the band clamp 312 is located on the pipe 14 so that
the clip 322 extends over and past notch 317 with the end edge of
the finger 338 being located almost flush with the end 15 of the
pipe 14, leaving enough room to accommodate the button 18 between
the end of finger 338 and notch 317 in pipe end 15. By keeping the
finger 338 from extending past the end 15 of the pipe 14, this
arrangement helps protect the latch 310 from damage during shipping
and handling. For even better protection, the finger 338 can
terminate short of the end 15 of the pipe 14 with the notch 317
depth being increased as needed to provide sufficient space for the
button 18 between the finger 338 and notch wall.
[0043] In use, the exhaust pipe sections are positioned with first
pipe 14 overlapping second pipe 16 to form the illustrated lap
joint. In this embodiment, finger 338 slides over and onto the
outer surface of pipe 16 until it engages button 18. As finger 338
and button 18 meet from a generally straight-on or axial direction,
the vertical flexibility of clip 322 allows finger 338 to slide
over button 18 until button 18 fully enters the notch 317 and
passes the end edge of finger 338, at which point it snaps down to
retain the button 18 in place as a result of the intrinsic
resiliency of the clip material. As shown in FIG. 9, the slanted
surface of the finger 338 provides a bearing surface that allows it
to ride up over the button 18 as the pipe sections are being
assembled.
[0044] FIGS. 11 and 12 show a fourth embodiment of the present
invention using a latch/clip arrangement that is similar to that of
FIGS. 9 and 10, but is different primarily in that a pipe coupler
412 is used in combination with two substantially equal-diameter
pipes 114, 116 that are brought together in coaxial alignment to
form a butt joint. It also differs in that, like the band clamp 212
of FIGS. 7 and 8, the pipe coupler 412 is a separate component that
is connected to each pipe 114, 116 via an interlocking feature or
button 119, 118 located near the pipe ends 115, 117, respectively.
Except as noted below, pipe coupler 412 can be made as shown and
described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0014772
A1, published Feb. 7, 2002, the entire content of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0045] Pipe coupler 412 has a latch 410 that includes a base 420, a
first clip 422, and a second clip 423. Clip 422 and clip 423 are
set apart vertically from base 420 by a first step 428 and a second
step 429, respectively. Clip 422 includes a first interlocking
feature or retention finger 438 and clip 423 includes a second
interlocking feature or retention finger 439. Clip 422 and finger
438 are structured and function similarly to clip 322 and finger
338 in the third embodiment and this description thus will not be
repeated. Likewise, clip 423 and finger 439 are a mirror image of
clip 422 and finger 438. Steps 428 and 429 facilitate vertical
flexibility of clips 422 and 423 and also need not be necessary.
Latch 410 is stamped from a unitary piece of sheet metal and is
generally rectangular in cross-sectional shape. The latch can be
welded to the band of the pipe coupler 412 at a welding area
411.
[0046] As is evident from FIG. 12, latch 410 has approximately the
same length--from finger 438 to finger 439--as the axial length of
the band. This is so the fingers 438, 439 will be flush with the
lateral edges of the band to overlie a first notch 425 and a second
notch 427, respectively, as best shown in FIG. 11. Notches 425 and
427 are each a U-shaped recess formed in both the inner sleeve and
outer band of coupler 412. The notches 425, 427 are mirror images
located on opposite sides or edges of the coupler 412 and are
directly across from each other. The notches 425, 427 are sized to
receive buttons 118 and 119 to axially and rotationally align and
retain pipes 116 and 114. The two buttons 118, 119 are welded at an
optimal distance from their respective pipe ends 117, 115 so that
when the buttons 118, 119 fully enter the notches 425, 427, the two
pipe ends 115, 117 abut each other, either in actual contact with
each other or separated by a short distance. With the pipes 114,
116 aligned coaxially, coupler 412 can be slid over pipe 116 or
pipe 114 separately, followed by the other, or both pipes 114, 116
can be simultaneously slid into the coupler 412. In any case,
fingers 438 and 439 slide over and onto the surfaces of pipes 116
and 114 until engagement with the respective buttons 118, 119, at
which point the fingers 438, 439 ride up over the buttons 118, 119
as the coupler 412 is further slid over the pipe end. Each finger
438, 439 includes a slanted end defining a bearing surface that
engages the buttons 118, 119 to allow the finger 438, 439 to flex
upwardly and ride over the button 118, 119, as described above in
connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10. The notches 425,
427 and end portions of each finger 438, 439 define a space between
them that is sized to receive the buttons 118 and 119 so that, once
the buttons 118, 119 pass by the end of their respective fingers
438, 439 and fully enter their respective notches 425, 427, the end
of each finger 438, 439 snaps back down towards the surface of the
pipe 114, 116, thereby capturing the button 118, 119 between the
end of the finger 438, 439 and the U-shaped walls defining the
notch 425, 427. The coupler 412 can then be tightened to completely
seal the pipe ends 115, 117 together.
[0047] As will be appreciated, by simply pre-attaching or
pre-forming buttons 118 and 119 on the pipes 116 and 114 at the
proper axial and circumferential position, coupler 412 ensures a
proper relative rotational alignment of the two pipes 114, 116
without any special keying together or other interconnection of the
two pipe ends 115, 117, and the coupler 412 maintains this relative
rotational position while the coupler 412 is loosely connected to
the pipes 114, 116. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that in
this embodiment, the two pipes 114, 116 are held in position
relative to each other by the combination of the notches 425, 427
and fingers 438, 439 of the pipe coupler 412, with the notches 425,
427 being used to fix the relative rotational position of the two
pipes 114, 116, and the fingers 438, 439 being used to fix and hold
the relative axial position of the two pipes 114, 116.
[0048] Although a single latch 410 is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 for
the pipe coupler 412, it will be appreciated that separate latches
(not shown) could be used in connection with each notch 425, 427.
It will also be understood that the notches 425, 427 need not be
circumferentially aligned. Other such variations will become
apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0049] FIG. 13 shows a fifth embodiment of a band clamp 512 of the
present invention. This embodiment shows a swivel connection 540
that can be implemented in all the other embodiments in place of a
rigid attachment of a latch 510 to the band clamp 512. Swivel
connection 540 can be located at the respective welding areas and
secures the latch 510 to the pipe clamp 512 so that there is no
need to spot-weld the latch 510 at all. Swivel connection 540 does
not affect the functioning of the latch 510 other than allowing the
latch 510 to be rotated as shown in FIG. 13 to ease shipping and
handling. The latch 510 can rotate back to its proper position
during use. Thus, as shown, the latch 510 can rotate from a first
position in which the length--longest dimensional distance--is not
aligned with the axis of the band clamp 512, to a second position
(shown in the other figures) in which the length is aligned with
the axis of the band clamp 512.
[0050] It will thus be apparent that there has been provided in
accordance with the present invention a pipe clamp and integral
latch which achieves the aims and advantages specified herein. It
will of course be understood that the foregoing description is of
preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention and that the
invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown. Various
changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in
the art. For example, the pipe clamp can be connected to the pipe
by an attachment means other than spot-welding, as will be known to
those skilled in the art, and other varieties of different
tightening mechanisms for the pipe clamp can be used. Also, rather
than welding or otherwise attaching the button onto the pipe, the
button can be formed from the pipe itself by stamping or other
deformation of the pipe wall. All such variations and modifications
are intended to come within the scope of the appended claims.
[0051] As used in this specification and appended claims, the terms
"for example" and "such as," and the verbs "comprising," "having,"
"including," and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction
with a listing of one or more components or other items, are each
to be construed as open-ended, meaning that that the listing is not
to be considered as excluding other, additional components or
items. Other terms are to be construed using their broadest
reasonable meaning unless they are used in a context that requires
a different interpretation.
* * * * *